FARMERS’ MARKETS

There are about 650 farmers’ markets in the UK and a large number of other markets where farms are able to sell produce. Farmers’ markets are usually weekly or monthly, with larger markets often held at the weekend, and the smaller ones more likely to take place during the week.

Selling directly from a market stall has a number of advantages: it’s a simple way to test the market for your produce; you can run a stall as and when you have produce to sell; it offers direct contact with customers and builds connections, support and feedback; and requires no investment in premises.

The challenge can be that after a busy week, you’ll need to pick and/or pack, travel and set up, often at the weekends. You’ll need to estimate sales so that enough produce can be harvested and prepared for each market day. If the market is quiet, you’ve no guarantee of selling all of the produce and so will need a contingency plan for surplus perishable products. On the other hand, a good market can be an effective way to sell a high volume of produce in a few hours, build relationships with customers and provide welcome social opportunities.

Many farmers’ markets will only allow you to have a stall if your produce is local, which can be defined as up to 30 to 50 miles, depending on the market. Applications for a place in a farmers’ market are usually made through submitting a form with a small fee. A stall rental for the day is typically around £25, but ranging from £5 to £75. Traders have to agree with the market’s rules and regulations. This may include such things as a commitment to attend a minimum number of markets per month, and to have a display board with your farm’s name, certification number, etc. The most important rule for certified farmers’ markets is that the stallholder must have produced the food they are selling. An example of rules can be downloaded from Bath Farmers Market.

You can find your local farmers markets using the Information Britain website.

Advantages

 * Simple way to test the market for your produce or introduce new produce ideas.
 * You can run a stall as and when you have produce to sell.
 * Direct contact with customers and builds connections and support.
 * Requires no investment in premises.
 * Sense of community between the stallholders.

Disadvantages

 * After a busy week, you’ll need to pick and/or pack, travel and set up, often at the weekends.
 * Need to estimate sales so that enough produce can be harvested and prepared for each market day.
 * If the market is quiet, you’ve no guarantee of selling all of the produce.
 * Need to be a good communicator.